Midas Touch Golden Elixir

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Delaware.

Style: Spiced ale/mead

Alcohol content: 9% abv

Serving temperature: 45 F

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            King Midas turned everything he touched into gold… including this beer, and the brewery that makes it.

            Midas, the legend, we all know about. But there was a real Midas, who ruled Phrygia (now Turkey) 2700 years ago. His tomb, discovered in the 1950s, is one of the great archaeological finds of all time, containing a stunning collection of Iron Age drinking vessels left over from his send-off party.

            A University of Pennsylvania molecular archeologist found traces of barley, grapes and honey – a mix of beer, wine and mead. Dogfish Head modeled this beer on that unique hybrid of styles, bringing it worldwide acclaim for such a unique accomplishment.

            It pours royally gold with a firm collar of foam, some yeast cloudiness. Its fruity aroma of grapes, honey and spices is fit for a king. Its sweet flavor of honey mead and fruity wine up front overshadows light malt and saffron. Finishes dry and smooth. Wine enthusiasts compare it to Champagne.

            -Joe Sixpack